THE ATENEO Blue Eagles triumph in their first game at the V-League Collegiate Challenge after defeating the San Beda University (SBU) Red Spikers in a four-set match, 25-19, 17-25, 25-17, 25-23, earlier today at Paco Arena. This first win puts the team at 1-0 in the preliminary round standing of the league.

Ateneo started the first set strong with James Licauco successfully activating wing spiker Jian Salarzon and middle blocker Charles Absin. However, after their first timeout, San Beda upgraded their offensive plays that constantly bore holes into the Blue Eagles’ defense. 

As the Blue and White widened their lead, Amil Pacinio showcased tactical ball placement and allowed the Katipunan-based squad to pull away, 20-16. Although the Red Spikers attempted to find their footing, the Blue Eagles never lost their lead and finished it with a kill by Kennedy Batas off a perfect set by Licauco, 25-19.

Despite the Red Spikers having their share of miscalculations to start the second canto, Ateneo gave multiple points away due to net faults and service errors, 11-18. The Blue Eagles attempted to cut the lead for the last time with aggressive spikes, but it was too late for Ateneo’s cause as they gave up the second set at 17-25.

Looking to come back after the difficult second set, both Absin and Pacinio took charge and stepped up for the Blue and White with their explosive attacks to break down the SBU defense. The power duo successfully overwhelmed their opponents, taking the set after an attack error committed by the Red Spikers, 25-17.

In the final set, both teams battled neck-and-neck, keeping the match close at 21-22. With the Red Spikers inching closer, Ateneo responded by fielding veteran setter Lawrence Magadia for the first time, who instantly established a perfect connection with Jetlee Gopio. Magadia’s chemistry with his spikers gave the Blue Eagles an opportunity to pull off a 5-0 run. The team then utilized their triple-man block with Salarzon mercilessly rejecting the Red Spikers’ attack to finally close the match, 25-23.

According to Team Captain De Castro the team’s main area of improvement after the game is their intensity. “The intensity was there pero nag-relax kasi kami sa second set that’s why we lost [the set]. We always remember na dapat ‘di natatapos ang game makakuha lang kami ng isang set. Better if we start strong and end stronger”. (The intensity was there but we relaxed in the second set that’s why we lost [the set]. We always remember that the game doesn’t end after winning one set. It’s better if we start strong and end stronger.)

Looking to follow this win against the SBU Red Spikers, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are set to face the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags on Friday, October 21, still at Paco Arena at 8 AM.

Box Scores: 

Ateneo: Pacinio – 17, Salarzon – 13, Batas – 9, Gopio – 8, Absin – 6, Sendon – 3 Licauco – 1, Llenos – 1 

SBU:  Montemayor – 14, Bakil – 11, Umali – 10, Calayag – 6, Rosman – 5, Buhay, – 2, Cabalsa – 2, Lopez – 2

Set Score: 

Ateneo-SBU:  25-19, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23